Is Way Past Cool - An AoStH/SatAM 25th Anniversary Fanzine worth it if you’re shopping in Comics & Graphic Novels?
Quick answer
| Best for | Sonic fans who grew up on SatAM and AoStH and want a tangible, high-quality art collection that supports a former creator. |
| Skip if | You are looking for a playable game, a script, or a physical item that ships immediately (print runs have a lead time). |
| Price | $2 |
| Format | 42-page digital magazine + optional limited print run (150 copies) |
| One-line take | A $2 charity zine that packs 42 pages of professional and hobbyist art into a single, generous package. |
What you’re actually buying
If you were glued to the TV during the 90s, you know that SatAM and AoStH didn’t just give us a blue hedgehog; they gave us a specific, melancholy, and wildly creative aesthetic that never quite faded. Way Past Cool is a direct response to that nostalgia, but it isn’t just a simple “top 10 characters” listicle or a low-effort PDF. It is a full 42-page magazine where every single page is dedicated to a piece of original art.
The scope here is impressive for the price point. The creator, fattoler, has coordinated a roster of 42 distinct artists—ranging from established comic professionals to dedicated hobbyists—to contribute to this 25th-anniversary celebration. That means you aren’t looking at one artist’s style repeated 40 times; you are getting a diverse cross-section of how the modern fandom views these characters. You get to see Robotnik’s legendary design reimagined, the Mobians in new lighting, and the specific “way past cool” energy that defined those early seasons.
Beyond the art, this is a project with a heartbeat. All profits from the Way Past Cool zine are being donated to a GoFundme campaign for Milton Knight, the former artist and storyboarder who created the original Robotnik design for AoStH. When you buy this, you aren’t just purchasing a PDF; you are funding the livelihood of the person who helped define the look of your childhood. It’s a rare combination of high-quality fan art and direct charitable impact that usually costs significantly more than $2.
Why it’s on our radar
This project stands out because it solves a specific problem in the indie comic space: how to celebrate a 25-year milestone without it feeling like a corporate cash-grab. By keeping the price at $2 and donating 100% of the proceeds to a former creator, the Way Past Cool zine builds immediate trust with the community. It’s a “no-brainer” purchase for anyone who cares about the history of Sonic animation.
The specificity of the deliverable is also a major draw. A 42-page magazine is a substantial volume of content. In the digital art world, most “anniversary” packs are 5–10 pages of reposted work. Here, you are getting a curated collection that feels like a real print publication, just delivered to your inbox. It’s a high-effort, high-reward package that respects the time of both the artists and the buyer. (Way Past Cool -)
What actually matters
Before you hit the buy button, keep a few practical details in mind to ensure the experience matches your expectations. (Way Past Cool -)
- Check the print run status: The digital version is instant, but the creator has mentioned a limited print run of 150 copies. If you want the physical zine, be aware that shipping is expected to take until late December or January. If you choose the physical option, the seller will reach out for shipping details, so keep an eye on your email. (Way Past Cool -)
- Verify the artist roster: The listing includes a long list of contributors, including names like Milton Knight’s collaborators and various comic pros. If you are a fan of a specific artist mentioned in the Way Past Cool credits, this is a great way to support them directly.
- Understand the format: This is a digital magazine. It is designed to be read on a tablet or computer screen. It is not a game, a script, or an interactive tool. It is a pure art collection. (Way Past Cool -)
- Confirm the donation link: The listing provides a link to Milton Knight’s GoFundme. It’s a good idea to check that page to see the current progress of the campaign, which adds a layer of transparency to your purchase. (Way Past Cool -)
Mid-check
If you’re ready to support the Sonic community and add a piece of 90s nostalgia to your digital library, this is a low-risk, high-reward purchase. (Way Past Cool -)
FAQ
Is the Way Past Cool zine a digital or physical product? It is available as a digital PDF that you can download immediately. There is also a limited print run of 150 physical copies, but these have a longer shipping window (late December/January) and require you to provide shipping details to the seller.
Who benefits from buying this Sonic fanzine? All profits from the Way Past Cool zine are donated to the GoFundme campaign of Milton Knight, the former artist and storyboarder who created the original Robotnik design for The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. It is a direct way to support a key figure in Sonic animation history.
How many artists contributed to the 25th anniversary art? The zine features work from 42 different artists. This includes a mix of professional comic artists and hobbyists, ensuring a wide variety of styles and interpretations of the SatAM and AoStH characters. (Way Past Cool -)
Is this a good gift for a Sonic fan? Yes. At $2, it is an affordable and thoughtful gift for anyone who grew up with the 90s Sonic cartoons. It’s a high-quality art collection that also supports a good cause, making it a meaningful present. (Way Past Cool -)
Bottom line
Way Past Cool is a standout piece of fan media that respects the legacy of SatAM and AoStH while doing something genuinely good for the people who made it. For $2, you get a 42-page magazine of high-quality art and the satisfaction of knowing your purchase is helping a former creator. If you have any love for the 90s Sonic era, this is a no-brainer.